Programs and Services

Programs and Services

Hillel Centers:

From acute intake, counselling and social networking services; to subsequent stages empowering Yotzim to integrate into Israeli society via long-term education, employment/career, housing and life goals - Hillel centers are the heart of the organization.

● Counselling and guidance throughout to overcome emotional and practical obstacles to success.

● Individualized job placement aid

Military and National (Civilian) Service:

Serving in the IDF / National Service provides participants with the opportunity to meet Israelis from different cultural backgrounds and contribute to society as equal citizens. It also opens doors to broad areas of employment where army service is a requirement. With little or no preparation, and usually no family support during the challenging years of service, even those who are highly motivated to contribute require a considerable amount of support. Hillel social workers:

● Work with the IDF to ensure that participants are placed in suitable units and are recognized as ‘lone soldiers’ with the appropriate benefits.

● Provide those who serve with a one-time small grant, gift certificates and a modest rent subsidy that complements the IDF’s ‘lone soldiers’ subsidy and enables them to rent an apartment with roommates.

● Maintain contact those who serve throughout their service to provide guidance and assistance as needed.

Single Mother Support Program:

Roughly 6% of Hillel participants are single-mothers. Most are in their twenties, were pressured to marry at a young age, and had very little prior acquaintance with their spouse. Once they choose to divorce and leave the community, they are ostracized, and their parental rights are frequently interfered with.

Hillel programming for single-mothers includes:

● Individual and group counselling to both build peer support networks and enable individualized problem solving.

● Weekend Workshop Retreats with free childcare, focused on topics specific to the women’s needs, and on cultivation of personal, financial, and employment skills.

● Monthly Rent Subsidies for an initial 12-month period, after which mothers may apply for renewed support for up to 3 years.

● Children’s Events, programs, summer camp and help with child care for this involved in programming.

● Comprehensive Legal Aid for single-mothers.

Ha’Bayit shel Hillel (Hillel’s Home) Emergency Shelter:

HaBayit shel Hillel Emergency Shelter for Yotzim house up to 12 clients for 4 months at a time and provides full intake, counselling, risk-management and referral services. The shelter opened its doors in June 2015, and has been at full capacity ever since. It supplies protection, lodging, food, and support in a warm accepting environment. In addition to crises intervention services, some recreational activities are provided. If and when clients are ready, they may be referred to Hillel programs or to other appropriate agencies. Most shelter residents arrive following an intermediate or extended period of homelessness.